The fort forms part of the "Historic Centre of Macau" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[1] The fort was built between 1617 and 1626 on the 52-metre tall Mount Hill, located directly east of the Ruins of Saint Paul's.

The fort proved crucial in successfully holding off the attempted Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622.

The observatory ceased its function and was relocated to Taipa in 1996 before it was demolished to make way for the Museum of Macau, which was officially opened on 19 April 1998.

The tree-covered park at the top of the fort has a panoramic view of the mainland area of Macau.